The Punjab Government on Thursday sent another letter to the Maharashtra Government requesting it to direct former Punjab DGP S S Virk to join the investigations in a criminal and corruption case registered against him by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau. Virk,who figures on the list of candidates sent to the Election Commission for appointment as DGP of Maharashtra,is currently posted as DGP (Housing) Mumbai. Late on Thursday evening,the Punjab Government received a communication from the EC seeking details of cases pending against Virk. The letter to the Principal Secretary (Special) Home,Government of Maharashtra,by B B Sethi,Deputy Secretary (Home),Punjab,states that a case was registered against Virk under the Prevention of Corruption Act,for harbouring criminals and for framing incorrect records,by the Vigilance Bureau on September 8,2007. He had been called by the investigating officer of the case time and again but he never joined the investigations. On January 15 this year again,he was asked to join the investigation which he did not. In order to further investigate the matter,it is necessary to examine Virk in the criminal case registered against him, adds the letter. The letter adds a challan followed by a supplementary challan have been filed against Virk before a competent trial court,and the next date of hearing is March 23. Maharashtra Home Department officials were not available for comment and Chief Secretary Johny Joseph said he was not aware of the latest letter.
